Posted by MAM Online Team on Thu, Dec 22, 2011 @ 03:49 PM
What is colic?
Doctors diagnose colic by the rule of three: otherwise healthy, well-fed babies that cry more than three hours a day, three days a week and for more than threeweeks have the condition. Approximately 25% of babies have colic. Symptoms generally begin a few weeks after birth and improve by age 3-5 months. 1
Anecdotally, colic is described by parents as frequent periods of high-pitched, intense crying by their baby. During these episodes, babies are inconsolable and appear extremely uncomfortable; they are often flushed, have clenched fists, curled legs, arched backs, or have tense muscles during their crying jags. Today, many doctors acknowledge that colic is accompanied by physical pain in the baby’s gut or abdominal area.2.
What are the symptoms of colic?
Most healthy babies experience unpredictable crying bouts or periods of fussy behavior throughout development. Babies diagnosed with colic display the following symptoms:
- Predictable crying episodes, usually at the same time every day. The crying may last several minutes to several hours and tends to start suddenly and for no specific reason.
- Intense, inconsolable crying. Cries may often be high-pitched.
- Physical changes in posture, such as curled up legs, clenched fists or tense abdominal muscles.3
What are the possible causes of colic?
The exact cause of colic remains unclear, however experts agree that there are several contributing factors that, either by themselves or together, may contribute to the condition, including:
- An immature digestive system.4 Muscles that support digestion may not yet be fully developed. Newborns also lack bacterial flora (i.e. probiotics) that develop over time to help aid digestion. These factors may explain why babies outgrow colic within a few months.
- Acid reflux.5 The backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus causes spitting up and physical discomfort.
- Trapped air or gas in the intestinal track.6 Infants can swallow air while feeding, causing gas and bloating in the abdominal area.
- Allergies or food sensitivities.7 If breastfeeding, babies can be allergic or sensitive to certain foods consumed by the mother. If formula feeding, babies may have an intolerance or sensitivity to certain proteins or lactose.
Do you suspect your baby is suffering from colic or colic-like symptoms?
We can help. MAM Anti-Colic bottles feature a patented vented bottom designed to regulate air pressure and reduce baby’s intake of air bubbles while feeding. Research shows that MAM Anti-Colic bottles reduce colic symptoms in 80% of babies with colic.
In addition to its effectiveness in reducing colic symptoms, they are known among parents as the perfect bottles to switch between breastfeeding and bottlefeeding due to the design of the nipple. Wide at the base and made of ultra-soft silicone (the same as MAM silicone pacifier nipples), it was specifically designed to closely resemble the breast and all but eliminate nipple confusion. Furthermore, we know how important time is to our MAM Moms and Dads. Eliminate time scrubbing, swabbing, brushing, boiling, etc. by simply sterilizing your anti-colic bottle in the microwave in the simple 3-minute process pictured below.
Check out our anti-colic bottle in Walmart in February 2012, and Shopper's Drug Mart in March 2012!